Senator Ruben Diaz Calls Upon Minority Members Of The NYC Police Department To Set An Example

New York State SenatorRuben Diaz (D-Bronx) expressed his disappointment in the behavior of many minority members of the New York City Police Department, in particular those involved in the recent shooting of an unarmed African-American male in Queens, New York.

"So many of us have worked and struggled to increase opportunities for minorities, in particular Black and Hispanic individuals, to join the ranks of the NYPD, hoping that they will better relate to and serve our communities," said Senator Rev. Diaz. He explained that the shooting of Mr. Sean Bell, by five officers, three of whom were Black and Hispanic, was an example of what seems to be a terrible trend.

Representing the same community where Mr. Amadou Diallo was fired upon and killed by police officers in February of 1999, Senator Rev. Diaz criticized minority members of the Police Department for "not setting a better example of how to treat other minorities." He further expressed concern that it is increasingly common to hear complaints of abuse, disrespect, use of vulgar language and other inappropriate treatment of minority persons by minority officers.

SenatorDiaz expressed concern that minority communities are not being treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, and calls upon minority officers to be the first to ensure that all persons are treated courteously, fairly and appropriately.